---
name: kanban-workflows
description: "Use when operating Hermes Kanban workflows: decomposing work as an orchestrator, executing as a worker, managing lanes, status, blockers, and reconciliation."
version: 1.0.0
author: Hermes Agent
license: MIT
metadata:
  hermes:
    tags: [kanban, orchestration, workers, task-management, hermes]
    related_skills: [autonomous-coding-agents]
---

# Kanban Workflows Umbrella

## Overview

Kanban work has two sides: orchestrators decompose and route work without doing it themselves; workers execute a scoped card, keep status current, and return verifiable evidence. Use this umbrella for both roles.

## When to Use

- Acting as a Hermes Kanban orchestrator.
- Acting as a Hermes Kanban worker.
- Deciding whether to split, assign, block, or reconcile cards.
- Handling worker pitfalls, examples, and edge cases.

## Role Playbooks

### Orchestrator

Decompose outcomes into cards small enough for one worker, include acceptance criteria, and avoid the temptation to implement the work directly. Route work, unblock workers, and reconcile results.

### Worker

Own exactly the assigned card. Update status when starting, blocked, or done. Run the requested checks and return concise evidence: files changed, commands run, output, and remaining risks.

### Lanes and external agents

If a worker uses an external coding agent lane, keep Kanban as the source of truth and verify the lane's output before closing the card.

## Common Pitfalls

1. Orchestrators doing implementation work themselves.
2. Workers broadening scope beyond the card.
3. Closing cards from self-reports without independent verification.
4. Losing blocker state instead of surfacing it promptly.

## Package Notes

Archived source skills retain the deeper role-specific text: `kanban-orchestrator` and `kanban-worker`.

## Verification Checklist

- [ ] Card scope and acceptance criteria are explicit.
- [ ] Exactly one owner is responsible for each action.
- [ ] Status reflects reality: pending, in progress, blocked, done.
- [ ] Completion includes verifiable evidence.